Contributions
792 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDAl-Ahli HospitalThe Israeli attacks on patients and medics at hospitals are abhorrent, as I have said on many occasions. The Church is in close contact with the diocese of Jerusalem, which…03 Jul 2025HANSARDCommunity CohesionThrough the parish system, the Church of England has a presence in every community. Long-term relationships are vital for building trust and understanding in all our communities,…03 Jul 2025HANSARDCommunity CohesionI thank my hon. Friend for asking two really important questions. I congratulate the Rev. Canon Jenny Gray on her retirement. Her exemplary service to the community was recognised…03 Jul 2025HANSARDChristians in the Occupied Palestinian TerritoriesWe continue to see the Christian community attacked by Israeli soldiers and settlers, as happened as recently as last week. Anglican aid agencies are providing financial…03 Jul 2025HANSARD NHS 10-Year PlanI congratulate the Secretary of State on bringing forward a bold and ambitious plan for our national health service. We know that by 2050 there will be up to 4 million people…03 Jul 2025HANSARDListed Places of Worship Grant SchemeI commend the work of the churches in my hon. Friend’s constituency. She highlighted St Probus and St Grace church, which was founded in 930 AD. I understand that it is a truly…03 Jul 2025HANSARDProject SpireThese are two separate issues. What is going on in relation to funding for Project Spire is totally separate to any other funding—the listed places of worship grant scheme is a…03 Jul 2025HANSARDProject SpireI thank the right hon. Member for his question and draw his attention to a written response I gave on 22 April. It is the Church’s intention, subject to the approval of the…03 Jul 2025HANSARDChristians in the Occupied Palestinian TerritoriesI thank the Father of the House for his question. He is absolutely right: the attacks that took place in Taybeh last week were outrageous and should not have been allowed to…03 Jul 2025HANSARDPeople on Low Incomes in Rural CommunitiesOur most recent figures show that the Church of England was involved in more than 31,000 community projects across the country, including in my hon. Friend’s constituency of…03 Jul 2025HANSARDPeople on Low Incomes in Rural CommunitiesMy hon. Friend is a good representative for the people of Harlow. In his constituency, St Mary Magdalene church runs a vibrant Sunday school and mothers’ union, with lots of…03 Jul 2025HANSARDPovertyMy hon. Friend makes an important point. Everyone has a responsibility to tackle child poverty, and we should all commend and thank the Church for the role it has played in this…03 Jul 2025HANSARDPovertyChurches and all our faith communities make a powerful difference in the lives of all our constituents every single day, and Church of England parishes provide more than 31,000…03 Jul 2025HANSARDAl-Ahli HospitalMy hon. Friend is absolutely right. The diocese of Jerusalem has informed us that the hospital continues to provide critical medical services—but only just. Food, fuel and medical…03 Jul 2025HANSARDPeople on Low Incomes in Rural CommunitiesThe right hon. Gentleman asks an important question. The Church values all its rural communities, and that is why we have so many different projects to ensure that places of…03 Jul 2025HANSARDListed Places of Worship Grant SchemeThe hon. Gentleman rightly highlights that there are other ways to acquire funding, such as through the heritage lottery and so forth. I will certainly write to him if there are…03 Jul 2025HANSARDChristians in the Occupied Palestinian TerritoriesI thank my hon. Friend for his important question. There is no safe space for children in Gaza, where we know that over 56,000 people have lost their lives, including more than…03 Jul 2025HANSARDListed Places of Worship Grant SchemeAs I have highlighted, we value our churches and our listed places of worship, and it is important that the Government hear these calls and provide some clarity and certainty…03 Jul 2025HANSARDUniversal Credit and Personal Independence Payment BillThe social security system should be there as a safety net for those most in need—those who are vulnerable, disabled or have ill health—but after 14 years of the Conservatives, it…01 Jul 2025HANSARDWelfare ReformI thank the Secretary of State for her statement. It is vital for us to have a social security system that protects the most vulnerable, the ill and the disabled, so will she…30 Jun 2025